Wrapping up a solid high school career with the Durant Lions, senior baseballer Colton Poore will have the opportunity to carry that to the next level after recently signing to play for Mission University in Springfield, Missouri.
Mission is an NAIA member as well as participating in the National Christian College Athletic Association playoffs.
Poore has been a fixture in the DHS lineup over the majority of the past three seasons while playing multiple positions on the infield. He helped the Lions to the Class 5A state tournament as a junior and then finished his senior campaign hitting .280 with four doubles, 11 runs batted in, 22 runs scored as well as stealing three bases.
“I’m happy for Colton,” said Durant head coach Jimmie Wyrick. “He gets to pursue his dream of playing college baseball. I pray that he has a positive experience and deepens his love of the game. I encourage young athletes to play sports as long as they can. There is nothing like being part of a team.”
Poore is expected to major in business at the school located in Springfield, Missouri. The Patriots finished this season with a 31-25 record before ending the season in the NCCAA Central Regional Tournament.
He admitted to feeling at ease with his choice of Mission and hopes his hard work will give him a leg up on competing for a regular slot in the lineup.
“It really felt like home when I visited and just stepped on campus,” Poore commented. “All the coaches and players. They have a really good reputation and have a great coaching staff. They are a smaller school, which I liked.
“I feel like my work ethic will help me a lot. Showing up and battling through whatever the circumstance is. I had surgery last year and didn’t know if I would get back, but my rehab went really well. Now I am back to 100 percent.”
